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Plywood California Corner

David D| Posted inGreen Building Techniqueson

Hello,

I’m wondering if anyone sees any issue with using plywood for the drywall backer board part of a California corner instead of dimensional lumber. I can’t think of any but I figured I’d check and see what the pros think.

Thanks!

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    Malcolm Taylor||#1

    David,

    I can't see any problem with the finished corner, but it does make the framing a bit more complicated.

    Typically the corner is fastened as a T using two studs, and then framed into the wall by nailing it to the plates. The wall it is connected to is framed conventionally, and when the two walls are stood up they are nailed together. It is fast and there is no separate process to provide the backing.

    Using plywood, you are going to have to add the backing once the walls are up, as it can only be fastened to the one stud, not two and the plates as the wood backer would be.

    A second complication is that ideally fasteners are driven through narrow material into thicker stock. But in your situation you won't be able to get a nailer into the corner and will have to hold the plywood tight, while nailing through the stud.

    None of these are big things, but they are worth weighing against the benefit you see in using thinner backers.

  2. Aedi||#2

    You can skip the plywood and just use drywall clips. Joe Lstiburek describes the advantages here:

    https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-030-advanced-framing

  3. David D||#3

    Thanks for the responses. My walls are up already just finishing up adding the blocking. I have plywood scraps so I figured use them; plus I can get more insulation back there. I figure I'll use bar clamps to hold it while fastening.

    Thanks for the idea about the clips but I'd prefer not to buy something if I don't need to; our budget is tiny.

    1. Expert Member
      Malcolm Taylor||#4

      David,

      You may find it easier to secure them with deck screws.

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